Reviews

Average User Rating
4.9/5

Rating Breakdown
  • 5 star 11
  • 4 star 1
  • 3 star 0
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 1-10 of 12 Reviews
Alena   –  
Russia RU
Visited: July 2025 Reviewed: Jul 11, 2025

Email Alena  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Amazing trip! Big thank you!
5/5

I would like to sincerely thank all of you for organizing my trip in July 2025. It was a short one-week getaway, but I wanted to experience as much of Tanzania as possible and create unforgettable memories for my birthday.
Of course, the highlight of my trip was the safari experience. I started by visiting safaribookings.com and sent out several inquiries, clearly outlining my expectations and budget. Mary was the first to respond—within an hour, if I remember correctly—while some companies took up to two days. From that moment on, Mary became the perfect guide in planning my incredible journey.
She carefully explained the differences between the national parks, helping me understand what each one had to offer. In the end, I decided on a 4-day/3-night camping safari covering Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, starting and ending in Zanzibar. Mary offered a great itinerary that was well within my budget.
I must admit, I changed my mind several times during the planning process—even initially considering skipping Zanzibar altogether—but Mary was always patient and responsive, no matter how many questions I had. She went above and beyond by also recommending a wonderful hotel in Zanzibar, even though that part wasn’t included in the safari package. She helped me prepare for everything I needed for the trip, which made the experience smooth and stress-free.

To add, I started making all the bookings two months in advance, as I was always a bit anxious that something might change—especially since I was traveling as single lady and the trip required a group to go ahead. But as I mentioned, the dates were very important to me because they aligned with my birthday. Luckily, everything went according to plan.
One very pleasant surprise was finding out, upon arrival, that one of the nights originally planned in a budget camp was upgraded and would actually be spent in a lodge. It was perfect—newly built, with private facilities and a very comfortable bed. And the best part? It was right in the middle of the savannah! You could see a giraffe munching on leaves just outside your window, elephants walking on sunset or a hippo grazing in front of your door at night. It was absolutely magical.

From the Big Five to the Big Four and a Half!
We were aiming for the full Big Five, but ended up with what I like to call the Big Four and a Half. We spotted lions, elephants, buffalos, and even a rhino (though that one was a bit far off—binoculars were absolutely essential!). I say “half” because we didn’t actually see a leopard, although we did spend quite some time watching and waiting near a tree where one had stashed its gazelle kill… So close!
But here’s something important to remember: a safari isn’t a zoo or a scheduled show. The park is massive, and the animals are truly wild, which means they can be anywhere—sometimes far from the roads. Considering that our trip was short, considering the distance between parks, and couldn’t afford hours of waiting of actions of wildlife like National Geographic, we were incredibly lucky with what we saw.
We witnessed impressive show of lions preparing to hunt zebras, young lions feasting on a buffalo, a cheetah casually lounging by the roadside, and a big elephant family with babies in tow. We even saw those "stupid" buffalos following the "smart" zebras—it was like a real-life nature documentary!
But my absolute favorites? Giraffes and hippos. Maybe it's because they visited me at night, making the funniest sounds while munching around my lodge… hahaha!

Of course, this tour wouldn’t have been nearly as wonderful without our amazing driver, Mike, and our talented chef, Victor. They were with our group of six throughout the entire journey, ensuring everything was incredibly comfortable. Even with some 'pole pole' moments, I always felt we were on time and in the right place.

Mike, you are a great, cheerful person. Thank you so much for being such an amazing guide and sharing stories about Tanzania, its people, wildlife, and the different behaviors of animals. It was fascinating to learn things I never would have expected! Also, a big thanks for being such a safe driver, while still managing to get us into the best positions for photoshoots. Your quick reactions during busy sightings—especially when we were watching hunting lions among dozens of vehicles—were truly impressive. Fantastic maneuvers and an eagle eye! A special big thank you and hug for keeping your word and finding that single rhino, even in bad weather conditions! You’re amazing for making it happen!
Many, many thanks to our chef Victor, who always prepared fresh, delicious meals—even the bread was homemade! Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner was well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared, with proteins, carbs, and vegetables—just like a perfect nutrition plan. Everything was not only tasty but also very kind to my stomach. Thank you for sparing us from boring sandwich lunches (I really felt bad for the older folks in the other groups) and preparing hot, never-repeated three-course dinners—always something new and delicious! Each evening started with a flavorful soup, followed by a fresh salad or cooked vegetables and a hearty main dish. Super, super, super!

Ashanti Sana!!! Great Job! Thank you to the entire team! I had a truly amazing birthday trip that I will always remember. I wish you all prosperity and continued business growth.

Chiara   –  
Belgium BE
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 19, 2025

Email Chiara  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Had the most amazing experience because of the most amazing guide!!
5/5

First of all the communication with Marry was really good , she answered very fast to all my questions.
I had the most amazing experience , we such a amazing group and a GREAT guide 'Micky'.
He went out of his way to see the animals we wanted, he had such a lovely vibe, one of my favorite people i met while in Tanzania. I don't think there is a better guide for a safari, he could see the animals from faaaaaar away. That was amazing. We all got allong so good so that made the 4 day safari unforgettable.
Saw the big 5, had the best time of my life!!

Glen Oliver   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 18, 2025

Email Glen Oliver  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Fantastic experience! I can really recommend to make an unforgettable vacation
5/5

Mary arranged everything for me months in advance with great communication via WhatsApp. We only had to pay a tiny deposit before we arrived which was reassuring. Our driver/guide was called Barton and was brilliant and soo smiley! The luxury accommodation was incredible with animals walking around next to the lodge.
Unforgettable experience!

Anupama   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2025 Reviewed: Jun 18, 2025

Email Anupama  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Excellent
5/5

Mary, the tour operator was great, very professional, understanding, and great person. The safari price as per my knowledge is vey reasonable compared to other safari prices. They also gave us 2 rooms everywhere. I did not pay a penny except for the guide tip, included food, stay, safari everything. Very very satisfied with their service. After lot of research, I found their price and quality best

Jeffrey   –  
United States US
Visited: May 2025 Reviewed: May 29, 2025

Email Jeffrey  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Knowledgeable and friendly and charismatic with a warm and inviting demeanor. We loved Barton!
5/5

This was my first time visiting Tanzania and I am so grateful that I booked my safari with African Culture Adventures. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the wildlife and culture and was always able to answer our questions with a smile on his face. He made me feel very safe while maintaining the sense of adventure that I was looking for. Additionally, this is a Tanzanian owned company which I found to be particularly meaningful for me as a guest.

Ten out of ten would recommend booking with African Culture Adventures.

Anna O   –  
United States US
Visited: May 2025 Reviewed: May 29, 2025

Email Anna O  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Absolutely prepared for anything and everything!
5/5

This tour group was amazing. Mary was a fantastic coordinator and was able to help me with everything from booking to esims to visa questions and beyond! Barton, our guide, was so knowledgeable and got us to every single animal we were hoping to see!!
I literally didn’t have to worry about anything and loved every second of the trip!!
Also this provider definitely provides the best value for price. I thought every penny spent was worth the adventure we had.

Nadine and Rosa   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Sep 28, 2024

Email Nadine and Rosa  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Fantastic beginning to end
5/5

Mary was a superstar beginning to end! She listened to what we wanted from our trip and organized it without fault, including coming to meet us at the end to make sure everything had gone smoothly.
Mary responded within a matter of hours to emails and explained everything which meant the trip went really well.
The best thing to do is have a think about what you want from your trip and communicate that to Mary and she will be able to build a schedule that suits you.

Richard   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Sep 27, 2024

Email Richard  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Brilliant
5/5

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a jewel of the African wilderness, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the legendary Great Migration. My recent safari experience in the Serengeti was nothing short of spectacular, especially in terms of spotting the "Big 5"—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffaloes.

### Arrival and First Impressions
Upon arriving at the Serengeti, the vastness of the savannah was awe-inspiring. The golden grasslands stretched endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and the occasional kopje (rocky outcrop) that provided stunning views of the surroundings. The air was filled with the sounds of wildlife, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable adventure.

### The Big 5 Experience

1. **Lions**: Our first sighting was a pride of lions lounging under a shady tree. Watching these majestic animals interact was surreal. The cubs played while the adults kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. The guide shared fascinating insights into their behavior and social structure.

2. **Leopards**: Spotting a leopard in the wild can be challenging, but our guide’s sharp eyes led us to one resting on a tree branch, draped elegantly over a thick limb. Its spotted coat blended perfectly with the dappled sunlight, a moment to cherish.

3. **Rhinoceroses**: Although rhinos are not as commonly seen in the Serengeti compared to other parks, we were fortunate to encounter a few in the Ngorongoro Crater area, which is adjacent to the Serengeti.

4. **Elephants**: The herds of elephants were a highlight of our safari. We observed them interacting as family units, playing and protecting their young. Witnessing these intelligent animals in their natural habitat was something I will never forget.

5. **Buffaloes**: Large herds of African buffalo were often seen grazing across the plains, their massive horns and formidable presence making them an impressive sight. Our guide explained their social structures and the vital role they play in the ecosystem.

### Other Wildlife Encounters
In addition to the Big 5, the Serengeti is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. We encountered giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous species of birds. The sheer abundance of life made each game drive an exhilarating adventure. One evening, we witnessed a breathtaking sunset over the savannah, with silhouettes of wildlife against a vibrant orange sky.

### Conclusion
My safari in the Serengeti was a remarkable experience that exceeded all expectations. The opportunity to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, combined with the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, made this trip one for the books. I left feeling a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation and the beauty of our planet. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, the Serengeti offers an authentic, magical experience that is not to be missed, at a price that can’t be beaten anywhere.

Anne   –  
Germany DE
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Sep 26, 2024

Email Anne  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

supported, helpful and friendly
4/5

I was very satisfied. The food and the organization were perfect.
The guide did his best to show the animals without stressing them, chasing them or putting them under pressure. He made a very good job.

I would deduct one point for the information provided before booking.
We asked if there was a fence around the campsite. The answer was yes.
However, there was no fence around any of the campsites.

Otherwise everything worked very well. The guide ensured safety.

Nancy   –  
Germany DE
Visited: September 2024 Reviewed: Sep 22, 2024

Email Nancy  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

A kind and professional guy.
5/5

Best communication. We see a lot of animals and had a great time in the jeep

Average User Rating
4.9/5
Rating Breakdown
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  • 4 star 1
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